(Radio Iowa) – The state education department plans to review hiring procedures in the Des Moines School District after the district’s superintendent was arrested Friday morning and faces deportation. The U-S Department of Homeland Security says 54-year-old Ian Roberts is a native of Guyana who was living illegally in the U-S and a judge issued a deportation order in May of last year. State officials say Roberts checked the box that said he was a U.S. citizen when he applied for a state license to serve as superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners conducted a criminal history check and state officials say no deviations were identified and it was up to the school district to check Roberts’ immigration status. The Des Moines district says Roberts completed an employment verification form and submitted the required documentation when he was hired.

Des Moines superintendent Ian Roberts is being held in a Sioux City jail after his arrest Friday by ICE.

Board president Jackie Norris says the district hired a private firm to conduct a background check on Roberts. “That is done for every person who is hired by the district and periodic reviews are conducted on a regular basis for all current employees,” Norris said. The school board met Saturday and voted to place Roberts on paid administrative leave. “No one here was aware of any citizenship or immigration issues that Dr. Roberts may have been facing,” Norris said. “The accusations ICE has made against Dr. Roberts are very serious and we are taking them very seriously.”

Roberts is being held in the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City. A few dozen protesters gathered outside the jail on Saturday.

Jeanette Hopkins is a retired teacher from Sioux City.

Hundreds protested outside the Federal Building in Des Moines late Friday and a crowd gathered in a Des Moines church as a show of support for Roberts. Betty Andrews, president of the Iowa/Nebraska chapter of the N-Double-A-C-P, says Roberts deserves justice.

Governor Kim Reynolds released a written statement Saturday, calling Roberts’ arrest shocking — particularly his attempt to flee from arresting officers and the loaded gun, knife and cash found in his Des Moines Public Schools vehicle. Reynolds says those who believe immigration laws are optional are dangerously wrong and the law must be enforced, every time. State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat who’s running for governor, says laws matter and facts matter and Sand says he’s alarmed that government figures from both parties have lept to conclusions when a lot is still unclear in this case.

(Fayette County, Iowa) – A teen was injured Sunday afternoon when the minibike she was riding struck a minivan. The Iowa State Patrol says the accident happened at around 3:05-p.m. at the intersection of West Sacramento Avenue and S. Mill Street, in Wadena,

The Patrol reports 13-year-old Rylee Joanne Chmelicek, of Fairfax, was riding the minibike eastbound on W. Sacremento Avenue, and failed to yield at the posted stop sign. The minibike struck a 2021 Toyota Sienna in the front passenger fender/wheel area.

The teen was flown from the scene to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics by Gunderson Air. A report on her condition was not available.

Wadena 1st Responders and Wadena Fire assisted at the scene.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, are set to discuss during a Special Meeting, and possibly take action on approving: A lease for the Willow Heights facility, and, Support for Vision Atlantic. The latter was previously discussed during the Board’s regular meeting in May, following a request from Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman,

With regard to Willow Heights facility, the land was sold in 2023, but the building on the grounds, which previously served people who have a mental or intellectual disability, substance abuse or other disabling condition, was closed nearly two-years earlier, due to federal and State requirements. Later discussion included proposals for the building to be renovated for Senior, low income, veterans’ housing. Despite those talks, the building remains unsold.

The Vision Atlantic group, meanwhile continues to work on their initiative that includes an $84 million project incorporating 142 new housing units, expansion of the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, and a new child care development center. This past June, the Supervisors approved the earmarking $150,000 from the County’s share of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for Vision Atlantic, specifically focusing on the child care center aspect of the project.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal.

Tuesday’s Cass County Board of Supervisors meeting will be held in their board room at the Cass County Courthouse, beginning at 9-a.m. You may attend in-person, or watch online via Zoom, at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVWHpMUT09.

The Meeting ID is 289 919 5216 and the Passcode is 012064.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – State regulators have taken action against three mental health professionals who have been accused of  having sex with clients. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports one of the cases involves Kristal Klaahsen, previously known as Kristal Lake, who worked as a substance abuse counselor at Manning Regional Healthcare Recovery from November 2014 through September 2020.

While working in Manning, Klaahsen was accused of engaging in several inappropriate actions, including pursuing a sexual relationship with a client, requesting a client to undress in front of her, and engaging in a relationship with a client’s husband.

On May 10, 2021, the board charged Klaahsen with making suggestive, lewd, lascivious or improper remarks or advances to a client. Klaahsen later agreed to voluntarily surrender her social work license and wait a minimum of one year prior to seeking reinstatement.

On Feb. 24, 2025, Klaahsen filed a reinstatement request with the board. On April 29, 2025, the board notified her it intended to deny that request. The board alleged she had not only engaged in a sexual relationship with a former client, but also claimed, without elaborating, that she had engaged in a sexual relationship with a client’s spouse and had breached client confidentiality

On May 28, 2025, Klaahsen appealed the board’s notice of intent to deny her application for reinstatement and requested a hearing. She argued she had learned from her mistakes and was successful in her current employment as a hospital discharge planner and had received an award for efficiency, advocacy and excellence.

At a July 29, 2025, hearing on the matter, Klaahsen testified about the therapeutic process she has undergone and the progress that she had made since surrendering her license. The board commended Klaahsen for her progress but added that it did not believe she had “adequately addressed the issues that led to the voluntary surrender of her social work license.”

Other Iowans recently sanctioned by the Board of Behavioral Health Professionals include:

— Giovanni Demezier of Dyersville, who agreed to voluntarily surrender his license after being charged with unethical conduct, failure to comply with the national association’s code of ethics, and engaging in sexual activities or sexual contact with a former client. The agreement follows a board decision in May to issue an emergency order suspending his license. Demezier has denied the allegations. A trial-setting conference is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2025.

— Amanda Brune, who was recently notified of a board decision to deny her request to have her license reinstated. Board records show that in 2005, Brune, formerly known as Amanda Zwack, was accused of having close, personal relationships with clients and having sexual intercourse with one client while working for New Beginnings in Maquoketa and Clinton. The Iowa Board of Substance Abuse Certification subsequently revoked Brune’s certification.

In March 2025, Brune applied for reinstatement of her mental health counseling license. In June 2025, the board indicated it intended to deny the application, which led to Brune requesting a hearing on the matter. That hearing is now scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025. (Read the entire report researched and written by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, HERE)

(Creston, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Union County say the driver of a pickup truck – who was wearing his seat belt – escaped injury during a single-vehicle accident Friday night. Authorities report 19-year-old Kody Scott Exline, of Afton, was driving a 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup eastbound on REA Road at around 9:10-p.m. They say he was driving too fast and lost control of the vehicle on the S curves, just to the west of Osage Street. The pickup entered the south ditch and came to rest on the driver’s side. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $2,000. No citations were reported.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak say officers arrested a man on an assault charge, Saturday afternoon. 50-year-old Martin Leroy Lafollette, of Red Oak, was arrested a little after 1-p.m. for Domestic Abuse Assault with intent to inflict injury, an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Lafollette was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

(Manson, Iowa) – Two people are dead and four others were injured during a collision Saturday night in northwest Iowa’s Calhoun County. The Iowa State Patrol reports the crash happened at around 9:50-p.m. on Iowa Highway 7, about three-miles east of Manson. Authorities say a van driven by 46-year-old Wilfredo Quevedo Mesa, of Storm Lake, was westbound on Hwy 7 when the vehicle crossed the center line of the road and was struck in the eastbound lane by a pickup, driven by 21-year-old Conner Darr, of Manson.

Following the collision, both vehicles left the road in a northeasterly direction. The van rolled into its side upon entering the ditch. The pickup entered the ditch and struck a utility pole before coming to rest in the field. Three people in the van who were sitting on patio furniture purchased prior to the collision, and were not restrained by seat belts.

Two of the van passengers, 26-year-old Alondra Bravo and 34-year-ol Jorge Perez Hechavarria, both of Storm Lake, died at the scene. Three other passengers in the van: 8-year-old Luis Bravo, 46-year-old Marina Escalante, and the driver, Wilfredo Mesa (all of Storm Lake), were injured and transported to separate hospitals. Conner Darr was transported by Ft. Dodge Fire/Rescue to Unity Point Hospital in Fort Dodge.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by Calhoun County EMS, Life Flight, and Ft. Dodge F/R.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Police in Council Bluffs, Saturday night, reported that a body found on the Iowa side of the Missouri River Friday afternoon, was that of a Nebraska man. The individual was identified as 40-year-old Steven Garland, of Omaha.

Authorities say that at around 3:36-p.m., Friday, Council Bluffs police and fire were dispatched to the Missouri River near the 55 mile marker of I-29 for a deceased person in the water. A passing boater observed what they believed to be a body floating in the inlet notch located on the Iowa side of the river, directly across from Freedom Park in Omaha. Council Bluffs Fire Department personnel were able to recover the male body and transport it to the nearest boat ramp where detectives from the police department’s Criminal Investigation Division initiated an investigation.

The body of Steve Garland was transported to Ankeny, IA where an autopsy will be conducted by the Office of the State Medical Examiner. Any member of the public who had recent contact with GARLAND is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 712-328-4728.

(West Union, Iowa) – A sheriff’s office in northeastern Iowa, said Friday, that at around 7:24-a.m. Thursday, September 24th, 2025, they had received a report from Sumner-Fredericksburg School that a student got on a bus and handed the driver a note that read “Call 911”. Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies immediately responded to a rural Westgate residence and made contact with the parent of the student.

Upon investigation, it was learned that the mother of the child was being held against her will and unable to make a phone call, so she gave a note to her child to relay the message to call for help. 29-year-old Glenroy Stefand Miller, originally of the Bahamas, was initially taken into custody for Domestic Abuse Assault and Obstructing an Emergency Communication for taking the victim’s phone, and keeping her from calling for help.

Glenroy Stefand Miller

Upon further investigation, it was learned that Miller had seriously assaulted the female victim throughout the night. At one point Miller started to take her to the hospital and then turned around and forced her home after realizing he would go to jail if he did. Miller continued to assault the victim throughout the night causing serious injuries and threatened to kill her by holding a knife to her throat and wrists.

Miller was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault w/Intent to Inflict Serious Injury (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury (Class C Felony), Kidnapping 2nd Degree Armed w/ a Dangerous Weapon (Class B Felony), and Obstruction of an Emergency Communication Device (Serious Misdemeanor). Glenroy Stefand Miller was transported to the Fayette County Jail where he will await trial. Miller is also being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer.

ATLANTIC, Iowa – The Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) hosted members, staff, and supporters for their 50^th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 25^th at the C.G. Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. The gathering included dinner, annual report presentation, partnership awards, and the Inaugural Ron Kohn Servant Leadership Award presentation.

SWIPCO celebrated 50 years of impact on Southwest Iowa, moving from an initial budget of $45,000 and 2 employees in 1975 to a budget of $8 million dollars and 108 employees in fiscal year 2025. Some highlights include $300 million in total grants to the region, over 262 plans written for communities and counties, $90 million in grant funds for water and wastewater projects, 1,706 homes rehabilitated, over 384 homeowners assisted with down-payment funds, and 9,235,700 rides provided by Southwest Iowa Transit Agency.  The return on investment for SWIPCO member communities has been over $150 for every dollar invested in the agency.

Ron Kohn Servant Leadership Award Nominees (L-R): Kevin Cabbage, Steve Herrington, Grace Garrett, Carol Vinton, Angela Winther, Joanne Kohn (Ron’s Widow), Eric Johansen (Winner), Ryan Campbell, Kattie Lewis, John McCurdy (SWIPCO Executive Director).

Eight individuals were nominated for the Inaugural Ron Kohn Servant Leadership Award. The award was created to honor the legacy of the late Ron Kohn who was a Glenwood educator, Mayor, and Mills County Supervisor. Ron showed tremendous selfless leadership throughout his life, and the award shines a light on those that go above and beyond to serve the region, often without fanfare. The nominee class was Ryan Campbell, Mayor of Hastings; Carol Vinton, Former Mills County Supervisor; Kattie Lewis, SWITCH Tech Career Hub Director; Grace Garrett, Mayor of Atlantic; Steve Herrington, SWITA Driver; Kevin Cabbage, FMTC CEO; Angela Winther, Logan City Clerk; and Eric Johansen, Police Chief of Glenwood.

Each nominee was recognized for their work and ultimately Chief Eric Johansen was named the winner of the Ron Kohn Servant Leadership Award for 2025. Chief Johansen has served the Glenwood Police force as an Officer and Chief for over 30 years and has created many community-centric events and programs to bring residents together. He started a Cultivate Community event that is very popular, recently launched a junior cadet program, driver safety courses for youth, and serves on the Mills County Chamber Foundation Board. Chief Johansen was nominated by former Mills County Chamber Director and current realtor Jennie Davis. Davis introduced Chief Johansen and Ron’s widow Joanne Kohn was there to present the award and congratulate all the nominees.

(L-R): Joanne Kohn, Widow of Ron Kohn; Eric Johansen, Ron Kohn Servant Leadership Award Winner; John McCurdy, SWIPCO Executive Director.

Eight partnership awards were presented in recognition of individuals, organizations, and businesses that help SWIPCO achieve their goals of serving the residents of Southwest Iowa.

Iowa DOT Office of Public Transit for their continued support of SWITA’s operations and working to make public transit the best it can be in the State of Iowa.

Nishna Valley YMCA for their many project partnerships with SWIPCO for facilities and youth transportation for preschool and other care programs.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. for their collaboration on over 100 projects with SWIPCO over the years. Helping make ideas come to life with plans for execution.

Atlantic Media- KJAN Radio, Atlantic News-Telegraph, and KSOM/KS 95.7 Radio for their continued support of informing the region of SWIPCO and SWITA’s projects and services. We are blessed to be so well represented by willing information providers.

(L-R): Bill Saluk, KSOM; Mandy Billings, KSOM; Tom Robinson, KSOM; Brian Rathjen, Atlantic News Telegraph; John McCurdy, SWIPCO Executive Director; Christian Adams, KJAN; Jack McGonigal, KJAN; Jim Field, KJAN.

Sherry Kuntz, Senator Charles Grassley’s Office for being a tireless advocate for our needs in Washington, D.C. Sherry is always very informed on our issue topics and is a strong advocate for the services SWIPCO and SWITA provides.

Iowa West Foundation for their continued funding support of many projects throughout the region. SWIPCO works often with projects that involve Iowa West Foundation funds and has been blessed to receive grants in the past three years for housing rehabilitation from Iowa West.

Danelle Bruce, Disability Access Point for partnership and advocacy for SWITA transportation to assist those with mental health service needs. She has long supported our work and helped coordinate services where needed to help the people of Southwest Iowa.

Tru Pro Construction for contract work helping make SWIPCO’s Lead Hazard Reduction grant work a success. They have been a major player in completing lead remediation in our lead projects over the past two years.

Also, during the meeting four SWIPCO employees were recognized for milestone work anniversaries. Awards were presented to Mike Ballinger, Safety Coordinator, for 5 years of service; Phil Richter, Building Inspector I, for 5 years of service; and Nicole Rhodes, Grants Specialist II, for 5 years of service. SWITA Driver of the Year Mike Ames was also recognized.

SWIPCO is proud of the accomplishments of the past 50 years and looks forward to helping the region continue to thrive moving forward. SWIPCO, founded in 1975, is a council of governments serving eight counties in Southwest Iowa with public transportation, community development, and housing assistance. Counties served are Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby.

SWIPCO is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.